While playing for the Trail Blazers in 1971, Barnett attempted a rushed long-range shot against the rival Los Angeles Lakers. His shot went in, prompting Blazers play-by-play announcer Bill Schonely to exclaim "Rip City! All right!" The phrase "Rip City", the meaning for which Schonely has no explanation, nonetheless caught on and became synonymous with the team and the city of Portland.[4]

Barnett currently works for NBC Sports Bay Area and has been the Warriors' television analyst since the 1985–1986 NBA season, working alongside play-by-play announcer Bob Fitzgerald. During the playoffs, or when games are nationally televised, he moves over to the radio side, and works alongside Tim Roye on KNBR.[6]